I've got 7,200 miles on my 2006 MCSa. In the past month, everytime (actually, MOST of the time, not every tiem) I drive off from a stop, there is a "sharp" metallic "tick!" or "click!" sound eminating from what seems to be the driver side front wheel.

At first I thought it was just a sticking caliper, and the brake pad might be shifting slightly. But now I don't think so.

Here are more scenarios that I hear the tick/click:

>Rolling away from a stop, just at the moment I give it some gas..."tick!"
>In a parking lot, simply shifting into "D"rive...about a second or two later: "tick!"
>Also makes the same exact tick sound if I shift it into Reverse.
>Doesn't tick when I shift into neutral.
>If I'm simply coasting to a stop (but do not stop completely...maybe going 5 to 10 MPH) but then traffic picks up and I give it some throttle to speed up... "tick!"

Does NOT tick when the tranny automatically shifts gears...this is normal and very smooth. There is no shimmy, no vibration, nothing out of the ordinary aside from the tick sound.

Is there some sort of metallic part that moves upon throttle, but only at low speeds or even at a standstill when the tranny is put into gear (only does it in "D" and "R").

Note that it is just a single click. It is not constant or continuous. Just a nice crisp "tick" sound and then, gone.

Again, only 7,200 miles on the 2006 MCSa. It will be 12 months old in July, at which time I will take it in for its first service (oil change). I think it can wait that long for a diagnosis, as it doesn't seem to be affecting driveability. Any mechanics want to chime in on what this could be? I don't think it is a wheel-bearing issue as it also clicks when stationary just putting it into gear. But then again, it clicks under low-speed acceleration (from a standstill or from like 5 to 10 MPH coasting) as well... odd.


Thanks for all your help/insight.

-boognish

 

This is a common noise and problem. When I first heard my click on my 06MCS, I looked at the left front axle nut which was about 15° loose. The dent in the nut collar was backed off from the keyway in the axle. I tightened it up and the noise went away..... for a while... it is now back. I have retightened them (134 ft.lbs) but now the noise stays. It sounds more like a CV joint noise to me. I'm just going to bring it up when I take it back. I just want it on the record.

YD

 

Hey, thanks for the informative response, Yo's dad!

I am semi-mechanically inclined...meaning, I know how to tighten/remove lug nuts, etc... this sounds fairly easy... all I gotta do is remove the lug nut cover to access the axel nut, correct?

What kind, or rather, what size is this axel nut? Can I just go to Pep Boys and buy a tool to tighten it -- if so, what would I need to buy...some sort of socket wrench or something?

ALSO- Is it safe to drive it like this? I have a 700-mile round trip (mostly highway miles) coming up next week.


Thanks,

-boognish

 

did you ever resolve this noise? I have the exact same noise on my 2005 MCS 6MT

 

My MINI did that also. I took it into the dealer & they replaced my LF drive-shaft. 2000 miles later it was making the same noise. The dealer then replaced my LF wheel bearing. All has been quiet since then.

 

I'll have to look into that. Mine only makes the noise when its warm, so I haven't heard it in months, but I'm sure it'll be back when the temp is 65+ again.

 

Best to get it checked out while the warranty is still in effect. To me it sounded like the brake pads moving in the caliper. I have aftermarket pads & have experienced a similar sound on other cars that was cause by aftermarket pads. I pulled the LF wheel & checked, but that wasn't the issue.

It is a strange sound & not one I would associate with a bad axle or bad wheel bearing. That being said a new axle & a new bearing & all is silent now.

PS: It was warm when I was hearing that noise.

 

Be careful about where you get this fixed. I had both done under warranty below 20k, as both my front axles had this issue. The first time was a hackjob from a dealer that did hammering damage to my hub, and impact gunned my wheel on over a mushroomed, unround hub. And at 72k, found out they overtightened the nut on the axle, which caused the wheel bearing to prematurely wear. After that episode, I used a different local dealer that never failed the telephone "all fives" test.
I always do my own work, but when the parts were free.......

 

I am getting this single "click" as well, especially when reversing into a parking spot. I am officially out of warranty at the end of the month, so I'll be going to the dealer pronto.